The NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has recommended that a set of guidelines titled “Cybersecurity Best Practices for Modern Vehicles” be followed by every automaker. Even though it is not mandatory many people in Washington believe that this should be a mandatory guideline. Since vehicles are becoming more autonomous and the technology inside vehicles are becoming more sophisticated these guidelines should be followed to prevent any unwanted individuals from obtaining sensitive information. These guidelines provide recommendations on wireless interfaces, internal vehicle communications, network ports, protocols, and access to firmware. BMW and Tesla have reported security issues in the past and have been striving to make their cars as safe as possible. Information such as someone’s location, driving habits and even PII can be compromised from a vehicle.
Article: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/nhtsa-auto-cyber-security-guidelines/
I think these guidelines should definitely be mandatory. As cars and the world get more connected, cyber security needs to be on the forefront. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing “hacking” among the leading cause of car deaths within the next 20 years. Before we allow this to happen, the car companies need to do everything in their power to make sure their network infrastructure is secured. These guidelines can help achieve that.
Great article Ioannis. This cyber security’s are of focus has been long overdue. In order to make cyber security Best Practices for Modern Vehicles’ laws and regulations successful, they must be tied to drivers’ safety. You mention that “Information such as someone’s location, driving habits and even PII can be compromised from a vehicle.” Additionally, if not the most important of them all, drivers’ safety poses greater risks. It looks like motor vehicles are being equipped with more technologies than ever and autonomous car is projected to become the new norm; therefore, hacking such systems for example could give attackers control of causing sudden stops anywhere.